Description
This quick and flavorful Frozen Black-Eyed Peas recipe combines tender black-eyed peas with aromatic onions, garlic, and a blend of herbs and spices, simmered to perfection in broth and tomatoes. Ready in just 25 minutes, it’s a nutritious and comforting dish perfect for a quick weeknight meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups frozen black-eyed peas, or 2 cans drained and rinsed
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1½ cups vegetable or chicken broth
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 bay leaf
- ½ cup diced tomatoes, canned or fresh
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- Sauté aromatics: Heat olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 3–4 minutes until softened and translucent.
- Bloom garlic: Add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds, stirring frequently to release its aromatic oils and enhance the flavor base.
- Combine base ingredients: Stir in the black-eyed peas, vegetable or chicken broth, smoked paprika, dried thyme, black pepper, salt, bay leaf, diced tomatoes, and cayenne pepper if using.
- Simmer legumes: Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Cover the saucepan and cook for 15–18 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the peas are tender and the flavors are well blended.
- Finish and season: Remove and discard the bay leaf. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
- Plate and serve: Transfer the cooked peas to a serving dish. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and serve immediately for a warm and delicious meal.
Notes
- You can use canned black-eyed peas for convenience; just be sure to drain and rinse them well.
- Adjust cayenne pepper to your preferred level of heat or omit if you want a milder dish.
- For a richer flavor, use chicken broth instead of vegetable broth.
- This dish pairs well with rice, cornbread, or a green vegetable side.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop.
